STOP! Do not work on a client if they are presenting any of the following conditions or symptoms before or during massage.
Bleeding, spotting, hemorrhaging (miscarriage or placenta problems)
Leaking fluids, possible amniotic fluids leak, or water breaking
Infection
Contagious illness or disease
Fever
Diarrhea
Sudden, rapid, overall swelling/edema (pre-eclampsia or toxicity)
Eclampsia/toxemia
Active inflammatory disease affecting blood vessels
Deep blood clots (may dislodge a clot)
Experiencing nausea, vomiting or morning sickness
Decrease in fetal movement
GO! Massage is perfectly fine!
Having twins or multiples
Placenta previa (blocking the cervix)
On blood thinners
Edema (massage will help)
Pupps (rash on legs)
Psoriasis
Past your due date
Breech baby
Gestational diabetes
Advanced maternal age (over 35 and high risk)
High blood pressure
Previous high risk pregnancy
Asthma
Proceed with Caution
High risk pregnancy (know the reason and if it affects massage)
Autoimmune disorder (talk and agree with doctor)
Moderate to severe varicose veins
Surface blood clots (NOT to be confused with deep vein thrombosis)
Skin irritation, rash (stay away from it)
Other acute injuries
Local contagious conditions anywhere on the body
Don't Worry! Stuff you seriously don't need to worry about!
Foot massage
Gently belly rub
Massage late in the pregnancy
Massage in first trimester
Stopping in the middle of the massage if she has to use the bathroom
Deep work on chronically stressed areas (feet, neck, shoulders, back, hips, sacrum)
Don't Ever! This stuff is just not smart to do!
Lie a pregnant women flat on her back after 12 weeks
Stimulate reflex points for endocrine or reproductive systems
Stimulate contraindicated acupressure points
Do heat treatments that would ride core body temperature
Lie a pregnant women face down on a flat table after 12 weeks
Deep tissue work on legs, inner thighs, or abdomen
Range of motion in second or third trimester (affects SI joints or pubic symphyses)
Calf stretches late in pregnancy
Tapotement